The best thing about rice is that you can eat it with just about any dish. It’s the perfect side to a juicy steak or as a foundation for your favorite Thai curry.
Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Cooker
Tiger JAX-T10U-K 5.5-Cup (Uncooked)
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker
The only problem is that cooking rice isn’t always easy. Some people prefer to use an oven, but if you’re not careful, you can end up with burnt rice that’s stuck to the bottom of your pot.
It doesn’t have to be that way. With an Asian rice cooker, your meal will taste as it came straight out of a five-star restaurant.
But if you don’t have any idea which one to buy, don’t worry, we’ve done all the hard work for you.
Read on to see our top 8 best Asian rice cookers and the key things you need to know before buying one.
Let’s get started…
- Best Asian Rice Cookers: Our Top 3 Recommendations
- Things To Look For Before Buying An Asian Rice Cooker
- 8 Best Asian Rice Cookers – Top Selection For 2021
- People Also Ask
- Conclusion
Best Asian Rice Cookers: Our Top 3 Recommendations
Last update on 2024-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Things To Look For Before Buying An Asian Rice Cooker
Capacity
The capacity of the rice cooker you are thinking of buying is important. You don’t want to end up with a cooker that’s too big for your needs, but you also don’t want one that’s too small either.
When it comes to capacity, as a rule of thumb, you should look for a rice cooker that has the same capacity as the number of people you cook. For example, 5 cup capacity cooks 5 portions of rice.
Easy Of Use
A rice cooker should be easy to use. There shouldn’t be any complicated menus or settings you need to navigate through before getting the desired results.
All of them come with fully automatic options that allow you to press a single button and walk away while your meal cooks.
Some of them also have special menus for steamed vegetables, porridge, etc. These are great when you feel like eating something healthy but don’t want to spend time in the kitchen.
Fuzzy Logic
This is the feature that makes an Asian rice cooker stand out.
It allows you to cook your meal without worrying if it’s on or off, burnt, or uncooked. It measures the temperature of the food and adjusts itself accordingly during cooking.
Durability
When buying a new Asian rice cooker, make sure you check reviews from other buyers who have used their appliances for at least six months. A good indication of how durable they are, is the average online rating and the number of people who have bought them a second time.
Some, but not all cookers come with a warranty, so consider that before buying.
Easy To Clean
This might not be a deal-breaker for some people, but it still is an important feature to consider.
Check if the cooker has removable parts that can go in the dishwasher or if they need to be cleaned by hand. Some of them come with non-stick plates but make sure they are manufactured by reputable brands that stand behind their products. This will guarantee that the non-stick coating won’t peel off after a few uses.
Budget
Lastly, you’ll need to consider how much you are willing to spend.
The best rice cookers come with a high price tag, but you don’t need to spend more than $100 if you’re on a tight budget.
Usually, the cheapest cooker can’t be the best one, so consider getting one of the following recommended models that provide the best value for money…
8 Best Asian Rice Cookers – Top Selection For 2021
Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker
Made in Japan, the Zojirushi appliance can hold 10 cups of rice. It has everything you need and is perfect for reheating leftovers.
- 5-1/2-cup computerized rice cooker and warmer with advanced Neuro Fuzzy logic technology. Wall mountable
- Multi-menu selections; automatic keep-warm, extended keep-warm, and reheat cycles. Electrical Rating - 120 volts / 680 watts
- Spherical, nonstick inner pan allows for uniform heating; LCD clock and timer; retractable cord
Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It has a built-in steam function, which allows you to steam vegetables and fish.
This Zojirushi rice cooker is easy to use, and you won’t be confused by the number of buttons on the front.
Other useful functions include a delay timer, programmable beep, and an indicator light to tell you when your food has been cooked.
This rice cooker comes with a variety of accessories, including a spatula holder, spatula, and two measuring cups.
The retractable cord allows you to store it handily, which you will find very convenient.
Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker – Best Features
- Easy to operate with one-touch
- Triple heating zones – bottom, side, and lid
- The detachable and washable inner pan – made of nonstick coated aluminum for easy cleaning
- Hinged lid that opens easily, so you can have access to the rice without a hassle
- Neuro-fuzzy technology – it measures the amount of moisture in rice, so your food tastes just right
Zojirushi Neuro Fuzzy Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| It’s simple to clean, no complex buttons or options | The cooking time is slower than other rice cookers |
| Includes a spatula holder and has a retractable cord | |
| Heats up quickly, but not too quickly. The heating time depends on what you’re cooking | |
| Nonstick inner pan – makes your dishes easy to prepare and clean up a breeze | |
| Can cook sushi, porridge, and veg (steamed) |
Tiger JNP-S10U-HU 5.5-Cup
The Tiger Asian rice cooker can be a superb appliance for people who prefer to have a completely stress-free time cooking their delicious rice.
- Keep-warm function up to 12 hours
- Non-stick inner pan
- Retractable power cord
Last update on 2024-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The handy dial makes it easy to adjust the settings and forget about it. Once everything is fully cooked, the unit switches off automatically and will stay warm until you want to reheat your well-deserved meal.
It comes with an inner pan that distributes heat evenly, so your rice comes out consistently every time. Works very well when cooking both brown and white rice.
One small downside is that it doesn’t use fuzzy logic technology, unlike other models.
Tiger JNP-S10U-HU 5.5-Cup – Best Features
- Keep warm function – you can have warm rice hours after cooking (12 hrs)
- Handy dial controls allow you to cook different types of rice with ease
- Detachable cord – it makes storage so much easier
- Easy to clean with removable vent and nonstick inner pot
Tiger JNP-S10U-HU 5.5-Cup – Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong & durable – made with stainless steel parts | If the lid is not on properly, it has a tendency to make a mess as heat builds |
| The retractable cord makes storing the appliance simple and tidy | |
| Once ready to eat – it switches off automatically | |
| Easy to wash and clean |
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker
The Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker is an affordable solution for cooking rice, veg, and more.
- 2-In-1 rice rinser/steam basket: Rice cooker includes steam basket that doubles as a rice rinser makes it easy to rinse rice...
- Versatile capacity: The rice/hot cereal cooker makes 2–14 cups of cooked rices and grains, hot cereals, steamed vegetables,...
- Preprogrammed settings: Six different settings on this rice/hot cereal cooker take the guesswork out of cooking. Choose from...
Last update on 2024-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
You can cook up to 14 cups of rice in just 30 minutes with six pre-programmed settings – all with very little time or effort.
The steam/rinser basket simplifies the work of steaming and rinsing veggies, chicken, or fish while your rice is cooking. It has a delayed start time and a keep warm feature that automatically switches to the warm setting after the cooking cycle ends.
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker – Best Features
- Cooks up to 14 cups of rice in just 30 minutes
- Quality made – made from stainless steel
- Delay start function lets you delay cooking up to 12 hours – which also turns on the keep warm feature after it has finished, so your food is always ready when you are
- Steam/rinse basket that makes rinsing rice easier
- Cook rice, chicken, fish, and rice all at the same time
Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cooks rice evenly and quickly | Bulky – takes up more counter space than other models |
| Makes it easy to cook a variety of different dishes at the same time | |
| Delay start function lets you delay cooking up to 12 hours | |
| Ideal for large families | |
| Durable and strong |
Cuckoo Micom Rice Cooker
This 12 cup rice cooker is perfect for small family gatherings or entertaining a few guests. Fuzzy Logic ensures that the rice cooks flawlessly every time!
- 7 Versatile Modes: Features 7 menu options including white (glutinous) rice, GABA rice, mixed/brown rice, porridge, slow...
- Mid to Large Capacity: From family gatherings to housewarming parties, this rice cooker provides the ideal serving amount...
- My Mode Function: Allows you to take control of the temperature with an array of unique rice flavor and texture choices
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With an LCD display, user-friendly digital controls, and controllable Turbo function, cooking rice has never been easier. The nonstick inner pot detaches easily to clean, and the drainage tray means less mess after use.
With 8 menu options like glutinous/white rice, GABA rice, mixed/brown rice – you can cook your favorite dish more conveniently than ever.
Cuckoo Micom Rice Cooker – Key Features
- Fuzzy logic technology for perfectly cooked rice
- LCD display, digital controls, and controllable Turbo cooking function
- Nonstick interior pot makes for easier cleaning
- 12-cup inner bowl capacity
- Detachable lid for easy use
- Rice cooked in under 35 minutes
Cuckoo Micom Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Can be used to cook a variety of different meals – from brown rice, mixed rice, glutinous rice to GABA roasted rice | Parts are not safe to put in dishwasher |
| The inner pot is removable which makes it easier to clean between uses | |
| Fuzzy logic technology – which means this rice cooker will cook your rice perfectly every time | |
| Turbo function lets you speed up the cooking process in case you’re in a rush |
Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Pressure Cooker
The Zojirushi pressure cooker has many different preset cooking functions for, mixed, brown, porridge, sushi/sweet, white rice, and more.
- Multi-menu cooking functions include settings for white, mixed, sushi/sweet rice, porridge, brown, gaba brown and quick...
- Umami setting extends soaking and steaming time for better rice
- Steam-reduce setting reduces steam to 50-percent of regular setting
Last update on 2024-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you want to make a bowl of perfect rice cooked without any guesswork involved, there is also an Umami setting which increases steaming and soaking times so you can do no wrong!
This induction rice cooker also comes with a handy delayed timer and easy-to-use control panel that can help you cook rice like a pro in no time.
Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Cooker – Key Features
- 5/10 cup uncooked rice capacity
- Range of convenient settings and functions from brown rice to sushi
- Nonstick inner pan – alongside being dishwasher safe, this nonstick coated pot makes cleanup easy
- IH pressure system – induction heating pressure system cooks your rice faster than most other regular automatic rice cookers
- Easily readable LCD control panel
Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Cooker – Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cooks up to 10 cups of uncooked rice | More expensive than other rice cookers |
| Comes with a selection of different settings for rice, sushi, porridge | |
| Induction heating means rice cooks faster | |
| Comes with a nonstick aluminum pot that is dishwasher safe for easier cleanup | |
| The LCD control panel makes it easy to use even for beginners, plus shows the cooking time and current settings | |
| Cooks faster than traditional automatic rice cookers |
Tiger JAX-T10U-K 5.5-Cup (Uncooked)
This multi-function cooker includes auto-shutoff safety features and standard functions to cook rice, steam vegetables, saute beef or chicken.
- 5.5-Cup Microcomputer controlled rice cooker and warmer with "tacook" synchro-cooking function
- 4-In-1 functions and 10 computerized cooking menu settings
- 1.5-Mm Thick inner pan
Last update on 2024-10-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In addition, there is a “Tacook” function that allows you to cook your rice and another dish at the same time (my favorite feature!)
It comes with 10 cooking preset menus suitable for every type of cook. It also boasts a 1.5 mm thick pan made out of premium Japanese stainless steel with an easy-to-remove inner lid for quick washing and cleaning.
For the more adventurous cook, there is a cookbook featuring easy and tasty dishes.
Tiger JAX-T10U-K 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) – Key Features
- 10 preset functions such as white/mixed rice, sushi/sweet rice, brown/multigrain rice, sticky/sushi rice ,and more
- Multi-menu cooking function (Tacook) that allows you to cook different dishes at the same time
- Premium Japanese steel 1.5mm thick inner pot with nonstick coating
- Dishwasher safe and extremely easy to clean after use
- Steamer, rice cooker, and slow cooker all in one
Tiger JAX-T10U-K 5.5-Cup (Uncooked) – Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Cooks up to 10 cups of uncooked rice | The lid is not easily cleaned if left |
| Very user-friendly and easy to use automatic features | |
| Available in two sizes – 5 and a half cup or 10 cup capacity | |
| Comes with a Tacook feature perfect for those that want to cook an entrée and a side dish at the same time |
Tatung – TAC-11KN(UL) – 11 Cup Rice Cooker
The Tatung Asian rice cooker is a high-quality product made from durable 18/8 stainless steel to keep your cooking hot and tasty for hours.
- A multi-functional rice cooker and steamer that is great for preparing hot fluffy rice, steaming veggies and seafood, anda...
- This easy-to-use one step rice cooker makes up to 11 cups of uncooked rice (22 cups cooked rice). This is enough rice to...
- Durable 18/8 (food grade 304) stainless steel inner pot and outer pot, it's easy to clean and retains its luster over time....
Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This multi-functional rice maker serves up to 11 uncooked rice cups that get fully cooked into a delicious full meal for you and your family.
The indirect heating technology cooks all the food evenly, ensuring no one has to eat burnt, tasteless food again.
Choose from 4 modes:
- Rice – where all functions are dedicated to cooking as much as 22 cups of readily cooked carbs in just 30 minutes or less.
- Steam – perfect for those who want their vegetables not only fresh but also steamed.
- Stewing – that makes soups more appetizing.
- Braising – for those who want an even deeper flavor to their juices.
This product also features a keep-warm function and stainless steel body that makes this cooker pretty and durable enough to stand the test of time.
Tatung – TAC-11KN(UL) – 11 Cup Rice Cooker – Key Features
- Makes up to 22 cups of cooked rice
- “Keep Warm” function and four modes: Braise, Steam, Stew, and Rice Cooking
- Durable and easy to clean
- Made from food-grade stainless steel
- Heating technology – the indirect heating technology heats and steams the entire pot, which results in tastier dishes that are cooked evenly
- Comes with a steam plate, rice spatula, and measuring cup for convenience
Tatung – TAC-11KN(UL) – 11 Cup Rice Cooker – Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Made from 18/8 food-grade stainless steel to ensure durability and lasting performance | Complaints of rust build up quicker than it should |
| Sleek and modern design that makes cooking a pleasure | |
| Heats up fast and evenly, ensuring no burnt taste is left in the dish | |
| Non-stick coating for easier cleanup | |
| Features 4 cooking modes – perfect for cooking stews and rice while maintaining all the flavor. |
People Also Ask
What Rice Cooker Do Most Asians Use?
There are many types of rice cookers available on the market: expensive and inexpensive, advanced and easy to use.
But if you want a rice cooker that Asians usually use, then you should pick a simple one with a small capacity – those are the most common ones among people from Japan, Korea, China, Thailand, and other Asian countries.
How Do You Use Asian Rice Cooker?
This depends on the type of rice cooker you have. However, this is a general guide on how to use an Asian rice cooker:
- Wash the rice – place the rice in it and then wash it using cold water.
- Prepare the right amount of rice – if you bought a cooker with a small capacity, then measure how much rice you want to cook – 1 cup of rice is enough for two people.
- Put the rice and water in a pot – add an appropriate amount of cold water to your cooker’s inner part, put the measured rice there, and close the lid. It’s best to cook up to 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water.
- Start cooking – this depends on the type of rice cooker you have. Most Asian rice cookers start cooking the rice automatically after 10-15 minutes.
- Serve and eat – when your rice is cooked, turn off the appliance and serve it with whatever meal you want.
How Much Water Do I Add To Asian Rice?
Make sure to add the right amount of water to your rice, depending on what you are cooking.
The general water to rice ratio is 2:1.
If you cook up to 1 cup of rice, then use 2 cups of water. If you cook up to 2-3 cups of rice, then use 3-4 cups of water.
Conclusion
Cooking rice the right way might seem like a simple process to you, but there are so many different kinds of rice cookers available these days that sometimes it can get overwhelming. That is why we’ve compiled our list to help you choose the perfect Asian rice cooker for your needs and preferences.
There’s something about cooking white rice in an Asian rice cooker that makes it taste much better. Our list includes the best Asian rice cookers available at the moment – take your time reading through this guide and choose the one that suits you the most.
These are my top 3 recommendations based on how much they cost and how good their performance is:
- Zojirushi NP-NVC10 Induction Heating Pressure Cooker
- Tiger JAX-T10U-K 5.5-Cup (Uncooked)
- Hamilton Beach Digital Programmable Rice Cooker
Which Asian rice cooker do you like the most?
Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
